Sheet-separating mechanism.



H. L. CHENERY.

SHEET SEPARATING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED 0c'r.9.1913i RENEWED NOV. 9, 191a.

Patented Dec. 26, 1916.

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SHEET SEPARATING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED on. 9. 1913. RENEWED NOV. 9. 1916.

Patented Dec. 26, 1916.

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SHEET SEPARATING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED on. 9. 1913. RENEWED Nov. 9. 1916.

71,209,672. Patented Dec. 26,1916.-

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H. L. CHENERY.

SHEET SEPARATING MECHANISM. 7 APPLICATION FILED OCT. 9I 1913- RENEWED NOV. 9, 1 916. 1,209,672. Patented Dec. 26,1916.

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H. L. CHENERY.

SHEET SEPARATING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED 0019,1913. RENEWED NOV. 9. 1916.

- 1,209,672. Patented Dec. 26,1916.

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H. L. CHENERY.

SHEET SEPARATING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 9, 1913. RENEWED NOV. 9. I916.

Patented Dec. 26, 1916.

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H. L. CHENERY.'

SHEET SZEPARATING MECHANISM. APPLICATION FILED OCT. 9. 1913. RENEWED NOV. 9, 1916.

Patented Dec. 26, 1916.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 7- lizvenior. Z, 4/; Wm W rm: NORRIS PZYER: Cb..FMDTD-LI1M"WASNINGTON, b21- H. L. CHENEHY.

SHEET SEPARATING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 9.1913- RENEWED NOV. 9,1916.

1 ,209,672. Patented Dec. 26, 1916.

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HENRY L. CHENERY,

OF PORTLAND, MAINE, ASSIGNOR TO SOUTHWORTH MACHINE COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF MAINE.

SHEET-SEPARATING MECHANISM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented D co. 26, 1916.

Application filed October 9, 1913, Serial No. 794,273. Renewed November 9, 1916. Serial No. 130,477.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HENRYL. GHENERY, of Portland, in the county of Cumberland and State of Maine, have invented certain new ble of being used in other types of machines.

So far as the transfer printing machine is concerned, the object of the invention is to devise a machine which will automatically print on the ends of the transfers the date on which they are to be used. It is the practice in some cases to print the dates on the transfers when they are manufactured. In this case it is impossible to tell in advance how many are to be used on particular days and it thus becomes desirable to date them as they are to be used. My machine is designed to be used in the oifices of the railroad companies for the purpose of printing each day in a conspicuous manner the dates on the transfers used.

My invention may best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which is illustrated a transfer dating machine constructed according to my invention and embodying mechanism capable of being used for other cognate purposes.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a general side elevation of the machine with a portion cut away, Fig. 2 is a plan of the same, Fig. 3 is a general vertical longitudi nal section taken through the center of the machine, F ig. 4 is an inverted plan showing the bottom, Fig. 5 is an end elevation, Figs. 6, 7 and 8 are details of the clutch mechanism for starting and stopping the machine, Fig. 9 is a plan of a portion of the separating device, Fig. 10 is a plan of the entire separating device with all parts assembled, Figs. 11 and 12 are two elevations of the same taken at right angles to each other, Fig. 13 is a vertical section on the line 00 m of Fig. 11, Fig. 141 is a section on the line as w of Fig. 2 with the separating head in its raised position, Fig. 15 is a detail of the hollow shaft and spindle of the separating device, Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 14

with the separating device in its lower position, Fig. 17 is a view showing the positions taken of the transfer sheets as they are stripped from the pad, Fig. 18 is a detail of the presser foot showing the manner in which it acts on the pad, Fig. 19 is like view taken at right angles to Fig. 18, Figs. 20 and 21 are perspective details showing the action of the separating blade on the stack of sheets, Fig. 22 is a detail of a portion of the parts which actuate the automatic stop mechanism, and Fig. 23 is a de tail of a portion of the stop mechanism.

The sheets are successively separated from the outside of the stack of sheets, in this case a pad of transfers, by a separating blade which enters the edge of the stack and cuts out any definite number of sheets preferably a single sheet at each operation. The position of the blade with respect to the edge of the stack and to the number of sheets to be separated is determined by a guide which coacts with the blade and bears normally on the outside sheet of the stack. The blade is spaced from the guide far enough in the present case to admit a single sheet between the two. The blade is thrust successively into the edge of the stack cutting out a sin gle sheet and as fast as cut out the sheet is withdrawn from the blade which cuts out another sheet and so on.

Preferably the separator is made in the form of an annular rotatable blade having a separating edge transverse tothe line of circular motion and the guide is made in the form of an incomplete ring directly over the blade and spaced from the separating edge.

Referring to the drawings (Fig. 9) 1 represents the annular blade here shown as incomplete and forming a trifle more than half an annulus. The separating edge 2 is formed transverse to the line of circular motion and as here shown, it is radial in form with a rounded outer corner. The blade 1 is sharpened at the separating edge 2 and also around its outer edge so that it can enter easily and smoothly between the sheets of the stack. The upper surface of the blade is horizontal for the purpose hereinafter set forth and the'thickness of the body portion increases from the separating edge backward. The annular separating blade 1 is secured to the lower end of an auxiliary sleeve 11 which fits over inner sleeve 3 and this sleeve is rotated by a verti cal hollow shaft 4 (Fig. 15) to which it is splined by a key fitting in a groove 5. Through this connection the sleeve 3 rotates with the shaft and may at the same time be raised or lowered on it.

The blade is positioned adjacent to the edge of the pad 6 slightly overlapping it so that as it rotates the edge of the blade passes a limited distance beneath the upper sheet. The vertical position of the operative edge of the separating blade 1 is determined by a guide which rests normally on the upper sheet of the stack and is spaced from the edge 2 the exact thickness of a single sheet. As here shown, this guide is an incomplete ring 7 slightly overlapping at its ends, the ends of the blade 1. The operative end 8 of this guide 7 is normally directly over the edge 2 of the separating blade. The guide has a vertical movement with relation to the blade for the purpose of adjusting the space between them and the blade has a rotary movement with respect to the guide to clear the blade from any adhering fibers which may clog the space between the guide and blade. For the purpose of effecting the movement first mentioned I secure the guide to the lower end of an exterior or outer sleeve 9 fitting over the sleeve 3 but leaving an annular space between them.

The vertical adjustment or gaging of the thickness of the paper is effected by a differential annular nut 10 (Fig. 13) which occupies the upper end of the annular space between the sleeves. Threads on the surfaces of the nut 10 engage threads on the outer surface of the sleeve 3 and the inner surface of sleeve 9, the outer threads having slightly more pitch than the inner threads whereby a micrometer movement is secured between the two sleeves which enables a very fine adjustment to be made. A scale on the upper edge of the nut (Fig. 9) enables the distance apart of the guide and blade and the thickness of the paper to be indicated. The auxiliary sleeve 11 fits over the inner sleeve 3 and is adapted to rotate to a limited extent thereon.

A spiral spring 12 interposed between the sleeve 11 and the sleeve 9 tends to hold the blade in its place so that the edge 2 will come immediately beneath the edge 8 of the guide. The extent of motion of the sleeve 11 is determined by a projecting stop 13 secured to the blade 1 and held by the action of the spring 12 against the shoulder 14 formed on the sleeve 9 and shown in dotted lines in Fig. 9. Its motion in the opposite direction is determined by its contacting with the end 15 of the guide which constitutes a shoulder or abutment. Thus when thestop 13 is drawn back to the shoulder 15 or adjacent thereto, the edge 2 is freed from close contact with the edge 8 of the guide and any adhering fibers of paper may be blown off as hereinafter shown. This position of the parts is shown in Fig. 9 where the stop 13 is drawn back, separating the edge 2 of the blade from the edge 8 of the guide. l/Vhen the stop 13 is released the spiral spring 12 snaps the blade back into its normal position beneath the guide at 8, as shown in Fig. 10.

The stop 13 is drawn back by engaging while it is rotating with a hook 16 which retains its hold on the stop just long enough to free the edge 2 from the guide at 8. The auxiliary sleeve 11 with its separating blade is held in position on the lower end of the inner sleeve 3 by a nut 17. Means are provided to remove or displace the sheet of pa- 161' cut out by the separating blade as soon as the blade is inserted under the paper. For this purpose I make use of an intermittently rotating feed roll having a clinging or frictional edge, said roll resting normally on the blade and rotating at certain regular intervals when the separating blade is at rest and being raised free from the blade and out of contact with the separated sheet when the blade is in motion.

as here shown, I provide a rubber tired feed roll 18 which rests normally on the separating blade 1 inside of the edge of the sheet, said feed roll being journaled to the lower portion of a feed roll cylinder 19 which incloses the vertical shaft and sleeves already described, constituting the outer casing of the sheet separating head. The upper surface of the blade is made horizontal as described to give the roll a true bearing surface.

The feed roll is journaled in the inside of the lower end of a vertical arm 21 which projects outwardly and downwardly from the body of the cylinder 19, a journal 20 being formed on or connected with the roll.

Means are provided to rotate the feed roll during the time the separating blade is at rest beneath the edge of the upper sheet and while the roll is resting'on the sheet. As here shown, the roll is rotated by an annular beveled pinion 23 on the inner face of the feed roll 18. The beveled gear 22 is secured to or formed on the lower end of a gear cylinder 24 journaled within the feed roll cylinder, a collar on the upper end of the gear cylinder 24 rests on the upper end of the feed roll cylinder 19 and forms a bearing thereon. The gear cylinder rotates within the feed roll cylinder and the shaft 4, the inner sleeve 3, the outer sleeve 9 and auxiliary sleeve 11 rotate as one part within the gear cylinder 24.

For the purpose of providing a journal bearing between the outer surface of the outer sleeve 9 and the inner surface of the gear cylinder 24 I provide an internal ball bearing in the inner surface of the gear cylinder, one bearing near the upper and one lower end confine the two rows of balls and form a ball race by which the balls are held in place projecting slightly inside the inner surface of the cylindrical lining 25. A screw cap 29 on the lower end of the gear cylinder holds the parts of the ball hearings in place.

Means are provided for imparting a rotating motion to the gear cylinder and for this purpose the upper end is formed solid with a relatively small opening 30 through which projects the upper end of the spindle 31, the spindle fitting inside of the hollow shaft 4. A spline connection is made be tween the spindle 31 and the gear cylinder 24 so that the latter may be readily slipped up and down to a limited extent on the spindle while the latter is in motion. A's here shown, this connection is made by means of a pair of rolls 32 journaled on a horizontal axis in the upper end of the gear cylinder 24, the edges of said rolls fitting within angular slots 33 in the upper end of the spindle which constitutes an auxiliary shaft. Means are provided for holding the feed roll cylinder against rotation while allowing it to be moved vertically and for lifting it vertically and holding it in a lifted position to free the roll from the paper while the separating blade is operating.

For the purpose of holding the feed roll cylinder 19 against rotation 1 provide a flat offset arm 34 connected with the cylinder 19 and playing in a vertical slot formed in a slotted post 35 (Figs. 14 and 16). The cylinder 19 and connecting parts including the feed roll are intermittently raised away from the separating blade by a cam roll 36 hearing on the upper edge of a cam 37 which sur rounds the base of the outer sleeve 9 and rests on the annular guide. The cam is so formed that as the sleeve 9 rotates the roll 36 rides on an elevated portion Of-tlie cam for the greater portion of its operative surface, a depression being formed at one point which allows the cam roll to drop to a position where the feed roll will rest on the blade 1. The bearing balls 26 provide an antifriction bearing for both the rotating and vertical movements of the gear cylinder 24 and .its connecting parts.

The cam roll 36 and the pro ecting arm 34 are secured to a vertical bar 38 which is adjustably secured to the side of the cylinder 19 and adapted to be adjusted vertically by the thumb screw 39. By means of this thumb screw the bearing of the feed roll on the blade may be exactly regulated.

Means are provided for rotating the hollow shaft 4 which in turn rotates the guide and the separating blade and the spindle 31 which rotates the feed roll alternately, each revolving. while the other is not in motion. For this purpose the hollow shaft is journaled in a bearing formed in the bed 40 of the machine (Fig. 14) and below said hearing it is provided with a gear 41 which is made to intermittently engage a segmental gear 42 on a counter shaft 43 parallel with the shaft 4. On the lower end of the spindle 31 is a similar gear 44 engaging a segmental gear 45 also secured to the vertical shaft 43. The operative portion of each of the segmental gears 42 and 45 occupies about one half the circumference of the gear and each is placed in a position diametrically opposite to the other.

The diameters of the gears 42 and 45 are enough greater than the gears 41 and 44 so that each revolution of the shaft 43 will pro duce a complete revolution of first the gear 41 and then of the gear 44, the operative portions of the larger gears containing the same number of teeth as the smaller gears. Power is imparted to the counter shaft 43 by means of a shaft 46 carrying a bevel gear 47 which engages a bevel gear 48 on the lower end of the shaft 43.

Means are provided to separate the edges 'of the sheets composing the pad so that the separating blade will enter more readily and accurately. As here shown, the pad of transfers or stack of sheets which are to be printed is supported on a pad support 49 having raised lateral edges 50 (Fig. 14) so that the pads are supported at the edges only, the central portion of the support being cut away to allow the center of the pad to be depressed and the edges bent correspondingly upward. The central portion of the pad is depressed by a presser foot 51 which has two bearing points, one on each side of the point where the separating blade enters the edge of the pad (Fig. 18). The result is that when the presser foot 51 is depressed the edges of the pad are forced upwardly and slightly separated for a considerable distance along the edge of the pad, as shown at 52. Thus when the separating blade enters, the edges of the sheets are pressed upwardly against the under surface. of the guide 7.

A clamping device is provided for holding the pad on its support during the operation of printing. As here shown, a clamping block 122 pivoted on the end of a handle lever 123 is secured to a shaft 124. A spring 125 tends to hold the block 122 pressed downwardly on the outer end of the pad. The lever 123 is held in a raised position by a spindle 126 (Fig. 5) contained in the handle of the lever, said spindle being arranged to engage a shoulder 127 as it is forced downwardly by a spiral spring 128. A trigger 129 enables the spindle to be withdrawn and the clamp lowered.

On the shaft 124 is loosely mounted a sleeve 130 carrying a flat arm 131 which eX- tends under the separating blade and is positioned to lift it slightly when the clamp is raised (Figs. 2 and 14). A handle 132 on the sleeve enables the blade and ad acent parts to be raised independently of the clamp 122.

Means are provided for holding the transfers as they are pushed back by the feed roll 18. As the roll pushes each transfer back toward the end where it is secured, it doubles or arches upwardly, the end following up the edge of the roll as shown in Fig. 17. As the ends travel up the wheel, one after another they come to a bearing on the edge of the presser foot which is toothed to prevent them from slipping down. A guide 55 limits the upward motion of the ends and in connection with the presser foot holds the transfers in the form of a reversed curve which form they retain until all are printed and doubled up by the feed roll.

The presser foot is carried by a vertically reciprocating member in the present instance a printing block 53. (See Fig. 3). This printing block 53 reciprocates vertically in guides 54 and carries on its lower end a printing head 53 to which the type are secured. The printing head is directly over the end of the pad and prints the date in a conspicuous manner on the end of each transfer.

Since the printing head must take its printing impression at different levels as the transfers are stripped off from the top of the pad, it is necessary to provide a yielding connection so that it may press on any of the transfers sufiiciently hard to produce a printing impression. As here shown motion is imparted to the block 53 by a slide 56, which is carried in a vertical recess in the block and which slides therein in suitable guides. A spring or yielding connection is made between the slide and the block by means of spiral springs 57 which bear on the bottom of the recess and on the under portion of the slide and tends to press the slide upward against the top of the recess giving to the block a yielding connection with the slide when it is forced downwardly. An adjusting screw 58 regulates the upper position of the block and the printing head.

A yielding connection is made between the presser foot and the slide 56 as described between the block and the slide. As here shown a horizontal arm 59 on the upper end of the presser foot 51 extends backwardly and is secured to a vertical rod 60 which slides in bearings at the top and bottom of the slide 56. A spiral spring 61 tends to force the rod and the presser foot downwardly and gives a spring bearing to the presser foot as it comes down onto the pad. Reciprocating motion is imparted to the slide 56 and through it to the block and presser foot by a cam 62 having a groove 63 on one face and in which groove slldes the cam roll 64. This roll is journaled on a stud 641 in the back of the slide which passes through a horizontal slot in the back wall of the block 53 to allow the slide to move vertically with respect to the block.

Means are provided for inking the prmt' ing head and for this purpose 1 provide an inking roll 65 which is journaled in a carriage 65, the carriage being mounted to slide horizontally in suitable guides to cause the roll 65 to traverse the face of the type. The carriage 65 is reciprocated horizontally by means of a cam roll 66 which travels in a cam groove 67 on the rim of the cam (32. The cam 62 is carried by a shaft 68 journaled on bearings 69 and 70. The inking roller 64 takes its ink from an interme diate roller 71 and the ink is spread and distributed by mechanism which is no part of my present invention and which it is not necessary to further describe.

The air blast hereinbefore described for blowing away the fibers at the time the guide and the blade separate is delivered through a nozzle 72 (Fig. 5) connected by a pipe 73 with the air compressor 74. The piston rod 75 of the air compressor connects with eccentric 76 on the shaft 68. The eccentric is so set that a jet of air will be projected from the nozzle 72 when the blade has been drawn back to separate it from the edge of the guide. Means are provided for stopping and starting the machine through a medium of a friction clutch.

Power is applied to the machine through a driving shaft 77 having a pinion 78 which engages a gear 79 on the counter shaft 80. The gear 7 9 is recessed on one side and it turns loosely on the shaft 80. A brake pulley 81 is secured to the shaft closely adjacent to the recessed side of the pulley 79 and surrounding the brake pulley is a band brake 82 one end of which is connected with a bell crank lever 83 (Fig. 1) actuated by a connecting rod 84: in the usual manner. The connecting rod is pivoted on one end to a lew'er pivoted between its ends to the frame of the machine and having on its upper end a yoke fitted with antifriction rolls which fit in a groove 86 in the longitudinally sliding sleeve 87 on the counter shaft 80. The oscillation of the lever operates and releases the hand brake, stops the machine and allows it to start. The friction clutch connection between the gear 79 and the shaft 80 is made by means of an incomplete expansib le ring 88 (Fig. 8-) which lies within an annular recess in the gear 79 and is expanded out against its inner surface by an oblong cam 89 Figs. 6, 7 and 8). The cam 89 is on the end of a shaft 90 which passes through the brake pulley 81. The

rotation of the shaft 90 turns the cam- 89 so that it spreads the adjacent ends of the ring 88 and causes the latter to fitclosely within the annular recess of the gear 79 and to impart the motion of the gear to the shaft and cam 89 and thence to the brake pulley and shaft 80.

hen the cam is turned so that its narrowest diameter is between the ends of the ring, then the latter is free to slide around in the annular recess of the gear 79. Thus the turning of the shaft 90 connects or disconnects the clutch mechanism and so starts or stops the machine.

The shaft 90 is turned into position to apply the clutch and start the machine by a lever 91 on the end of the shaft 90, the end of the lever bearing against the conical end 92 of the sleeve 87. As the sleeve is moved toward the brake pulley the end of the lever 91 slides up on the cone, turns the shaft 90 and twists the cam 89 so as to expand the ring and start the machine. hen the sleeve 87 is withdrawn the lever 91 is allowed to swing in enough to relieve the tension of the friction ring and the machine stops. It will be observed that the band brake and the friction being both actuated by the motion of the sleeve. 87 act together so that the instant the ring 88 is released and the power shut off, the band brake is applied and the machine is at once stopped. The lever 85 isswung in one direction or another to start or stop the machine by an operating arm 93 which extends from the lever 85 forwaid to the front end of the machine where it is provided with a. knob or handle 5) which extends through a slot at the side of the machine. The knob is the means by which the machine is started and it is stopped by automatic stop mechanism hereinafter described. The lever 85 is held normally backward so that the clutch will be out of engagement by means of a spring 94: secured to the bed of the machine and to the lever below the pivoting point, (Fig. 1) and acting on the lever 93. Means are provided to prevent the machine from stopping except while the printing block is in a raised position. This I accomplish by a cam which is secured to the shaft 68, the,cam having a cam surface on its rear edge which travels immediately in the rear of the sleeve 87 and against which surface the sleeve may be pressed by the spring 94 when the lever 93 is released. hen the sleeve is forced forward into engaging position the cam surface is clear of the end of thesleeve 87 but when the operating arm 93 is released or allowed to drop, the sleeve is forced slightly back against the cam while still in engaging position. The cam surface is cut away at 97 so as to allow the sleeve to slip back into its disengaged position and this recess 97 is so 9.9??9 th it 9.9 3% back or the sle v at the same time the printing block is in its raised position. The balance of the cam surface is annular so that at whatever point in the revolution of the machine the operating arm 93 may be released the sleeve 87 cannot release the clutch until the recess 97 in the cam 95 comes around. A gear 98 shown as connected to the cam 95 engages a pinion 99 on the shaft 80 and the shaft 68 takes its motion from this-pinion.

The operating arm 93 is held in its raised engaging position by a catch arm 100 extending horizontally outward from a pivoted hub 101 (Fig. 3). The end of the catch arm and the operating arm are so formed that they will slide by each other when the operating arm is lifted, the arm 100 supporting the operating arm and thus holding the clutch mechanism in operative position. A spring 102 holds the arm 100 in engaging position. The catch arm 100 and the operating arm 93 are automatically disengaged to, allow the operating arm to drop and stop the machine when the last transfer has been printed. For this purpose I provide a relatively long stop lever which is pivoted by its forward end near the hub 101 and extends back beneath the bed of the machine to the inner end of the pad.

- The rear or free end of the lever 103 is bent upward at right angles and extends up through an opening in the bed of the machine in rear of the pad, then at right angles parallel with the rear end of the pad and this portion is provided with a horizontal pin 104: which rests on the rear end of the upper transfer of the pad dropping down from one to another as the pads are successively withdrawn. The pin 104 resting on the ends of the transfers holds up the inner end of the lever 103 but when all the trans fers are removed the pin is allowed to pass down through the pad support. The lever is so formed and connected with the catch arm 100 as to release said arm when the pin 101 drops down below the bottom of the pad, that is, after the last transfer has been printed and withdrawn. As here shown, the forward end of the lever 103 is turned upwardly and pivoted to the bed of the machine and the angle is provided with an abutment 105 which is positioned as to strike the end of an arm 106 when the pin 104: is down to its lower position. The arm 106 extends out from the hub 101 on the opposite side from the catch arm 100 and it is provided with an adjusting screw 107 for regulating contact between the two parts.

Means are provided for lifting the pin 104: to a. point above the level of the pad before the latter is inserted to be printed. For this purpose an arm 103 is secured to the shaft 12% and projecting downwardly through an opening in the bed of the machine extends immediately beneath the lever 103. The end of the arm 103 which contacts with the lever 103 is so constructed as to support said lever with ayielding support to avoid breakage of the parts should the pin 101 be accidentally forced down by a downward movement of the printing head while the parts are held in suspension before the pad is in place. As here shown, arm 103 is provided with a jointed end 103 supported by a spring 103. Any unusual downward pressure of the lever.103 will thus depress the jointed end 103 against the action of the spring and avoid breakage of the pin or connecting parts. It will thus be seen that when the free end of the lever is permitted by the withdrawal of the last transfer of the pad to drop below the pad support the abutment 105 strikes the adjusting screw 107 and knocks the catch arm 100 free from the end of the lever 93. The free "end of the lever 93 then falls and releasing the clutch mechanism and applying the brake as already explained, stops the machine.

Power is applied to the variousparts to produce the movements described by any suitable means. As here shown, a spiral gear 108 on the. shaft (38 engages a spiral gear 109 (Fig. 2) on a vertical shaft 110. The shaft 110 extends below the bed of the machine" and is there provided with a spiral gear 111 which engages a spiral gear 112 on a horizontal shaft 113 (Fig. 1). The shaft 113 extends longitudinally of the machine just beneath the bed. From a bevel gear 111 power is transmitted to the inking roll 71 and other portions of the inking mechanism and a spiral gear 115 on the end of the shaft 113 engages a spiral gear 116 on its end of the counter shaft 46 already referred to. A cam 118 on the shaft 46 acts against a cam roll 119 on an arm 120 which is secured on the lower end of a vertical shaft 121. On the upper end of the shaft 121 is the hook 16 which engages and retards the blade 1 to clear its edge from the guide.

From what has been said about the construction and operation of the several parts of my machine, its general operation will be readily understood. The clamp 122, the separating blade and the tripping lever. (103), are raised by depressing the handle of the lever 123 and the pad of transfers is slipped into place on the pad support, the inner end of the pad coming beneath the printing head. The machine is started by lifting the handle 91% which releases the brake and throws in the clutch. As the rotating separating blade slides beneath the upper sheet of the pad, separating said sheet from the stack it comes to a stop having finished one complete revolution. The instant the blade stops the cam 37 comes into such a position that the roll 36 drops into a depression in the cam allowing the feed roll cylinder, the gear blade with the interposed paper of the transfer. The spindle 31 beginsits rotation at the completion of the revolution of the hollow shaft, the gear cylinder is rotated, feed roll turned and the transfer isstripped from the upper surface of the blade. As soon as the spindle and the gear cylinder have made one complete revolution they stop, the feed roll cylinder and the feed roll are lifted by the cam 37 and the separating blade makes another revolution separating another sheet and so on, the blade and the feed roll alternately revolving and stopping each to give the other a chance to operate. As fast as the transfers are separated they are withdrawn by the feed roll and formed into an arch as described. Then the last transfer has been printed the pin 10 1 drops down through the slot in the base and the machine is automatically stopped as described. The

internal and external sleeves 3 and 9 in effect constitute in operation a single sleeve with the blade and guide on the lower end and in simple forms of the machine the guide and blade may be secured to a single sleeve.

It will be understood that my sheet separating mechanism may be used in other Ina chines besides the machine for printing transfers herein particularly described, the accurate separation of sheets: being the basis of automatic printing machines of various kinds and of other machines handling paper in sheets.

I claim 1. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of a blade, a guide disposed in a different plane from that of said blade and positioned to bear on the outer sheet of the stack and arranged to determine the position of the blade to separate a definite number of sheets from the stack, means for inserting the blade into the edge of the stack and for withdrawing the same and means for removing the sheet or sheets separated.

2. In a machine for separating sheets of paper froma stack, the combination of a blade, a guide disposed in a different plane from that of said blade and positioned to rest by gravity on the upper sheet of the stack and arranged to determine the position of the blade to separate a definite number of sheets from the stack, means for inserting the blade into the edge of the stack and for withdrawing the same and means for removing the sheet or sheets separated. l

3. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of a blade, a guide disposed ina different plane from that of said blade and positioned to bear on the outer sheet of the stack and arits rangedto determine the position of the blade to separate a definite number of sheets from the stack, means for simultaneously moving the blade and guide to insert the blade into 5. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of a rotary blade adjacent to the edge of the stack, a guide disposed in a diiferent' plane from that of said blade and positioned to bear .on the outer sheet of the stack and arrangedto determine the position of the blade to separate a definite number of sheets from the stack and means for removing from the blade the separated sheets.

6. In a machine for separating sheets of paper fro-m a stack, the combination of a rotary blade positioned to enter the edge of the stack, a guide adjustably connected with said blade and capable of being spaced therefrom by a space equal toa definite number of sheets and means for removing the separated sheets from the blade.

7. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of a rotary annular blade positioned to enter the edge of the stack and having a separating edge transverse to the line of circular motion, a guide above said edge and spaced therefrom by a space equal to the thickness of a definite number ofsheets.

8. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination ofa rotary annular blade positioned to enter the edge of the stack and having a separating edge transverse to the line of circular motion, said edge having a rounded outer corner and a guide above said edge spaced therefrom by a space equal to a definite number of sheets.

9.-In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of a rotary annular blade positioned to enter the.

edge of the stack and having a separating edge transverse to the line of circular motion, a guide above said edge spaced from it by a space equal to a definite number of sheets, said guide being cut away inside of the outer edge to enlarge said space.

10. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of an incomplete rotary circular blade positioned to ente the edgeof the st ck and having a separating edge transverse to the line of circular motion, an incomplete circular guide above the level of said separating edge and spaced therefrom by a space equal to the thickness of a definite number of sheets.

11. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of an incomplete rotary circular blade positioned toenter the edge of the stack and having a separating edge transverse to the line of circular motion, a substantially semi-circular guide above the level of said separating edge and spaced therefrom by a space equal to the thickness of a definite number of sheets, the ends of the blade and guide overlapping to form a complete circle.

12. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of a rotary circular blade positioned to enter the edge of the stack and having a separating edge transverse to the line of circular mo tion, an incomplete circular guide above the level of said separating edge and spaced therefrom by a space equal to the thickness of a definite number of sheets of paper, means for separating the said guide and separating edge at each revolution of the blade and means to clear the same from paper fibers.

13. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of a rotary circular blade positioned to enter the edge of the stack and having a separating edge transverse to the line of circular motion. an incomplete circular guide above the level of said separating edge and spaced therefrom by a space" equal to the thickness of a definite number of sheets of paper, said guide being pivoted concentrically with said blade, means for rotating said blade and guide with relation to each. other to separate .the said edge and guide to clear the same from paper fibers.

14. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack. the combination of a rotary circular blade positioned to enter the edge of the stack and having a separating edge transverse to the line of circular motion, an incomplete circular guide above the level of said separating edge and spaced therefrom by a space equalto the thickness of a definite number of sheets of paper, said guide being pivoted concentrically with said blade means for rotating said blade with relation to the guide a limited distance to separate said edge "and guide and means to clear the same from paper fibers.

15. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of a rotary circular blade positioned to enter the edge of the stack and having a separating edge transverse to the line of circular motion, an incomplete circular guide above the level of said separating edge and spaced therefrom by a'space equal to the thickness of a definite number of sheets of paper, means for separating the said guide and sepa 'ating edge at each revolution of the blade and an air nozzle adjacent to said separating edge for directing an air blast against the same to clear it from paper fibers.

16. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of a blade, a guide positionedto bear onthe outer sheet of the stack and arranged to determine the position of the blade to separate a definite number of sheets from the stack, means for inserting the blade into the edge of the stack and for withdrawing the same, and a feed roll for pressing the separated sheet or sheets against the blade and removing them therefrom.

17. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of a blade, a guide positioned to rest on the upper sheet of the stack and arranged to determine the position of the blade to separate a definite number of sheets from the stack, means for inserting the blade into the edge of the stack and for withdrawing the same and a rotatable and vertically movable feed roll above the blade positioned to press the separated sheet or sheets against the blade and to remove them therefrom.

18. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of a 1'0- tary blade adjacent to the edge of the stack,

,a guide positioned to bear on the outer sheet of the stack and arranged to determine the position of the blade to separate a definite number of sheets from the stack and a feed roll for pressing the separated sheet or sheets against the blade and removing them therefrom.

19. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of a rotary annular blade positioned to enter the edge of the stack and having a separating edge transverse to the line of circular motion, a guide above said edge spaced therefrom by a space equal to the thickness of a definite number of sheets and a rotatable and vertically movable feed roll positioned to press the separated sheets against the blade and to remove them therefrom.

20. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of a rotary annular blade positioned to enter the edge of the stack and having a separating edge transverse to the line of circular 'motion, a guide above said edge spaced therefrom by a space equal to the thickness of a definite number of sheets, a feed roll above said blade and normally resting on the same and means for lifting said feed roll when said guide passes beneath it.

21. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of an incomplete annular blade having a separating edge transverse to the line of circular "ternal and an external sleeve to the lower ends of which said blade and guide are respectively connected and a vertical rotating shaft inside of said sleeves and connect ed to rotate the same.

22. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of an incomplete annular blade having a. separating edge transverse to the line of circular motion, an incomplete annular guide above the'level of said edge and spaced therefrom to admit one-or more sheets of paper, an internal and an external sleeve to the lower ends of which said blade and guide are respectively connected, means for rotatably reciprocating the blade with respect to the external sleeve to a limited extent and a vertical rotatable shaft inside of said sleeves and connected to rotate the same.

23. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of an incomplete annular blade having a separating edge transverse to the line of circular motion, an incomplete annular guide above the level of said edge and spaced therefrom to admit one or more'sheets of paper, an external sleeve to which said guide is secured, an internal sleeve inside of said. external sleeve, an auxiliary sleeve j ournaled on said internal sleeve, said separating blade being secured to the lower end of said auxiliary sleeve, a vertical shaft inside of said internal sleeve for rotating the same and means for rotating said auxiliary sleeve to a limited extent with respect to the internal sleeve.

24. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of an incomplete annular blade having a separating edge transverse to the line of circular motion, an incomplete annular guide above the level of said edge and spaced therefrom to admit one or more sheets of paper, an internal sleeve, an external sleeve to the lower end of which guide is connected, an auxiliary sleeve journaled on said internal sleeve, said blade being secured to the lower end of said auxiliary sleeve, a spring and stop for holding said blade and auxiliary sleeve in their normal position, a catch for engaging said blade and rotating it to a limited degree with relation to said guide against the action of said spring and a vertical shaft within said sleeves and connected to rotate the same.

25. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of an incomplete annular blade having a separating edge transverse to the line of circular motion, an incomplete annular guide above the level of said edge and spaced therefrom to admit one or more sheets of paper, an in ternal sleeve and an external sleeve to the lower endof which guide is secured anzauxiliary sleeve journaled; on said internal sleeve, said blade being secured to the lower end of said auxiliary sleeve, a spiral spring interposed between the auxiliary and internal sleeves and acting to rotate said auxiliary sleeve, a stop for holding the auxiliary sleeve in its normal position and a catch for slightly rotating said auxiliary sleeve against the action of said spring and for re leasing the sameand a vertical shaft within said internal sleeve and connected to rotate "the same. i

26. In a machine for separating sheets of paper from a stack, the combination of a vertical shaft, an internal "sleeve on said shaft and connected to be rotated thereby,

an: auxiliary sleeve journaled on the lower end of said lnternal sleeve and havlng on the lower end of the same anincomplete annular separating blade, an external sleeve on said internal'sleeve secured to the upper portion thereof andhaving on its lowerlend an incomplete annular guide spaced", above the separating blade to separate one or more sheets, a spiral spring interposed between the internal and auxiliary sleeves tending to rotate said auxiliary sleeve withrespect to the internal sleeve, a stop for holding the blade in its normal position and a catch for engaging the blade to pull itaway from the stopfor a fraction of its rotation.

27. In a machine of the character de scribed the combination of an internal sleeve, an incomplete annular separating blade connected with the lower. end of said sleeve,ran external sleeve fitting outside of said internal sleeve and having on thelower end thereof anincomplete annular guide spaced from said blade to allow the admission of the separated sheet onsheets, and an annular difierential screw threaded on its inner and outer surfaces, the outer threads engaging the external sleeve and the internal threads engaging the internal sleeve whereby the separating space between the guide and blade is regulated. i

28. In a machine of the character described, the combination of an incomplete annular separating blade, an incomplete annular'guide above said blade and spaced therefrom to separate a definite number of sheets,a feed roll normally resting on said blade to remove the separated sheets, means to alternately rotate the blade and guide and the roll and means to'raise the latter when not rotating. i

29. In a machine of the character described the combination of an incomplete annular separating blade, anincomplete annular guide abovesaid blade and spaced therefrom to separate a definite numberof sheets, a feed ,roll normally resting on said blade, a sleeve to which said guide and blade are connected, means for rotating said sleeve, a

scribed the combination of an incomplete annular separating blade, an incomplete annular guide above said blade and spaced therefrom to separate a definite number of sheets, a feed rollnormally resting on said blade, a sleeve to which said guideand blade are connected, means for rotating said sleeve, anon-rotatable ieed roll cylinder to which saidfeed roll is journaled outside of said sleeve, a gear cylinder journaled inside of said feed roll cylinder, engaging gears, one on the lower end of said gear cylinder and theother on the roll and means for rotating said gear cylinder. e a a 31. In a machine of the character described, the combination of an incomplete annular separating blade, an incomplete an- -nular guide above said blade and spaced therefrom to separate a definite number of sheets, a feed roll normally resting on said embracing said gear cylinder outside of said sleeve means tor intermittently rotating said gear cylinder and means for intermittently lifting said roll cylinder.

32. In a machine of the character described the combination of an incomplete annular separating blade, an incomplete annular guide above said blade and spaced therefrom to separate a definite number of sheets, a feed roll normally resting on said blade, a sleeve to which said guide and blade are connected, means for rotating said sleeve, a gear cylinder outside of said sleeve, engaging gears, one on the lower end of said gear cylinder and one on the said roll, a vertically movable and non-rotatable feed roll cylinder to which said roll is journaled, said feed roll cylinder embracing said gear cvlinder means for intermittently rotatin 1/ 7 t3 blade, a sleeve to which said guide and blade are connected, means for rotating said sleeve, a gear cylmder outside of sald sleeve connecting gears on said gear cylinderand roll, a verticallymovable andnon-rotatable feed roll cylinder to whichsaid roll is journaled, said feed roll cylinder embracing said gear cylinder, a cam roll -o1rsaid feedroll cylinder, a cam connected with said sleeve cooperating with said camrol'l and formed to lift the roll cylinder intermittently and means for rotating the gear cylinder.

84. In a machine of the' characterde scribed the combination of an incomplete annular separating blade, an incomplete annular-guide above said'blade and spaced therefrom to separate a definite number" of sheets, a feed roll normally resting onsaid blade, a sleeve to which said guide and blade are'co'nnected, means for rotating said sleeve, agearcylinder outside of said-sleeve, con necting gears onirsai'd' gear cylinder and roll, a feed roll cylinder to which said roll is journaled, said feed roll cylinder embracing said gear cylinder, a cam roll on said {feed roll cylinder, a cam connected with'said sleeve cooperating with [said cam roll and formed to'lift the feed roll cylinder, means for rotating the gear cylinder, a guide arm on said feedroll cylinder and a stud having a vertical slot in which said guide arm slides. 35. In a" machine of the character described the combination of an incomplete annular separating blade, an incomplete-annular guide above said blade and spaced therefrom'to separate a definite number of sheets, a feed roll normally resting on said blade, a sleeve to which said guide and said blade are connected, means for rotating said s1eeve,-a gear cylinder outside of said sleeve, connecting gears on said gear cylinder and roll, a feed'roll "cylinder'towhieh said feed roll is journaled, said feed roll cylinder embracing said gear cylinder, cai'n'eonnected withsaid sleeve and formed to lift said feed roll cylinder, means for rotating said gear cylinder, a cam roll cooperating with said cam, a cam roll adjusting plate to which said cam roll is pivoted'adjustably secured to said feed roll cylinder, a "gii'ide arm: on said plate and a fixed stud having a vertical slot in which said guide arm slides.

36. In a machine of the character described the combination of an incomplete an nular separating blade, an incomplete annular' guide above said blade"and"spaced therefrom to separate a definite number of sheets, a feedroll *normallvresting on said blade, a sleeve to which said guide and blade are connected, means for rotating "said sleeve, a gear cylinder outside of said sleeve, connecting gears on said gear cylindenand roll, a feed roll cylinder to which saidroll is journaled," said feed roll cylinder "embraeingsaid gear cylinder, a cam carried by s'ai'dsleeve formed to lift said feedroll cylinder, means for rotating said gear cylindergua foam roll cooperating witl'r' said cam, a cam roll-adjusting plate to which "said cam isjournaled adjustablyfseured to said feed roll cylinder, an fiadjusting screw'inz said feed 'roll cylinder'and connecting with said plate to adjustthe same vertically, a guide arm on saidplate "and a fixed stud having a verticalslot iniwhich said guide armslides. In a machine of the-character described,: thej combination of an incomplete annularseparating blade, an incomplete annular guide above said" blade andaspaced therefrom to separate a definite numberof sheets, a 'feed roll normally-resting onsaid blade, asleeveto which" said guide and blade'are :connected, a gear cylinderout- ,sideof said sleeve, a feedrollwcylinder to which said roll is ijournaled, said feedroll cylinderembracingsaid gear cylindeigwgears connecting said cylinder and said 'roll, a vertical shaft-inside of said sleeve and connected'therewit-h for rotating the sleeve and an" independently rotatable extension oii the end of said shaft' for rrotating. said: gear cyl-' i'nder. .7

38;In {t -machine? ofnthe "character: described, the combination: of "an. incomplete annular "separating bl ade, an incomplete annularguide' above said blade and "spaced therefrom to separate a definite numberof sheets, a feed r0115 normally 1 resting on said blade, a sleeve to which-said guide'and blade are connected, a gear rollicylinderoutside of said sleeve, 3 feedroll cylinder to which said roll. is joiirnaled, said feediroll cylinder embracing said gear-cylinder, gears connecting saidgear cylinder and said: roll, a be]- low vertical shaft'insideofsaid sleeve and connected therewith for rotating the sleeve, aspindle inside of said hollow shaft, an a ixi'liaryshaft'on the' end of. said spindle and in linewith said hollow shaft, said auxili ary shaft connecting with said gear cylinder, a complete gear 011* said 'hollow shaft, a complete gear :on saidggspindleland.a segni'entah'gear engaging ieach complete gear and arranged tofo'perate'tliemialternately.

39. In a "machine of the character described, the eombin'zition' of an incomplete annular separating blade, an incomplete annu "larguideabove said 'bladeand spaced there from to separate a definite number of sheets, a feed roll normally resting 'on said: blade, a sleeveto' which said-guide and' bladeare connected, a"gear cylinder'fioutiside ofsaid sleeve, feed'roll cylinder towhich said roll 1s ournaled, said feed roll cylmderembrac- 111g said gear cy'lmdengearsconnecting said gear cylinder "and said roll, hollow vertical shaft inside said sleevediaving a spline conconnection with said gear cylinder, a complete gear on the hollow shaft, a complete gear on the spindle and a segmental gear en gaging each complete gear and arranged to operate them alternately.

40. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a separating blade, a feed roll resting normally on said blade to remove the separated sheets, a gear cylinder, gears connecting said cylinder and the feed roll, a rotating shaft extending through said gear cylinder and having longitudinal angular grooves therein, spline rollers journaled in said gear cylinder-and engaging said grooves.

41. In a machine of the character described, the combination of an incomplete annular separating blade, an incomplete annular guide above said blade and spaced therefrom to separate a definite number of sheets, feed roll normally resting on said blade, a sleeve to which said guide and said blade are connected, a gear roll cylinder outside of said sleeve, a feed roll cylinder to which said roll is journaled, said feed roll cylinder embracing said gear cylinder, gears connecting said gear cylinder and said roll, a hollow vertical shaft inside said sleeve having a spline connection therewith, a spindle inside of said hollow shaft, an auxiliary shaft on the end of said spindle and in line with said hollow shaft, said auxiliary shaft having a spline connection with said gear cylinder, and a lever for lifting said sleeve and blade and supported parts.

1-2. In a machine for printing transfer pads and the like, the combination of a rotating incomplete annular separating blade, an incomplete annular guide spaced therefrom to separate a definite number of sheets, a feed roll normally resting on said blade to strip the separated sheets therefrom, a pad support adjacent to the edge of said blade, a clamp for holding down th end of the pad and a toothed vertical abutment above the pad and adjacent to the roll for engaging the ends of the separated sheets.

In a machine for printing transfer, pads and the like, the combination of a rotating incomplete annular separating blade, an incomplete annular guide spaced therefrom to separate a definite number of sheets, a. feed roll normally resting on said bladeto strip the separated sheets therefrom, a pad support adjacent to the edge of said blade,

a clamp for holding down the end of the pad, a toothed vertical abutment above the pad and adjacent to the roll for engaging the ends of the separated sheets and an arch forming guide above the pad for bending the separated sheets into an arch.

as. In a machine for printing transfer pads and the like, the combination of a rotating incomplete annular separating blade, an incomplete annular guide spaced therefrom to separate a definite number of sheets, a feed roll normally resting on said blade to strip the separated sheets therefrom, a pad support adjacent to the edge of said blade, a clamp for holding down the end of the pad, and an arch forming guide about the pad for bending the separated sheets into an arch.

45. In a machine for printing transfer pads and the like, the combination of a rotary incomplete annular separating blade, an incomplete annular guide spaced there from to separate a definite number of sheets, a pad support having raised lateral edges adjacent to the edge of said blade and a presser foot for depressing the center of the pad and slightly raising the edges of the transfers.

46. In a machine for printing transfer pads and the like, the combination of a rotary incomplete annular separating blade, an incomplete annular guide spaced therefrom to separate a definite number of sheets,

a pad support having raised lateral edges adjacent to the edge of said blade and a presser foot for depressing the center of the pad and slightly raising the edges of the transfers, said presser foot having two bearing points, one longitudinally on each side of the point where the said blade enters.

4L7. In a machine for printing transfer pads and the like, the combination of a pad support having raised lateral edges, a separating blade positioned to enter the edge of the pad to separate a definite number of sheets and a presser foot for depressing the pad in the center to lift edge of the pad ad j acent to the blade.

as. In a machine for printing transfer pads and the like, the combination of a pad support having raised lateral edges, a separating blade positioned to enter the edge of the pad to separate a definite number of sheets and a spring supported presser foot for depressing the pad in the center to lift the edge of the pad adjacent to the blade.

In testimony whereof I have affixed my signature, in presence of two witnesses.

HENRY L. OHENERY.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

' Washington, D. G. 

